· Take extra effort to eliminate tripping hazards on your porch and walkway. Check around your property for flower pots, low tree limbs, support wires or garden hoses that may prove hazardous to young children rushing from house to house.

THE BIG NIGHT:

· A good meal prior to parties and trick-or-treating will discourage youngsters from filling up on Halloween treats.

· Consider fire safety when decorating. Do not overload electrical outlets with holiday lighting or special effects, and do not block exit doors.

· While children can help with the fun of designing a Jack O' Lantern, leave the carving to adults.

· Always keep Jack O' Lanterns and hot electric lamps far away from drapes, decorations, flammable materials or areas where children and pets will be standing or walking.

· Plan and review with your children the route and behavior which is acceptable to you.

· Remind all household drivers to remain cautious and drive slowly throughout the community.

· A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds.

· Remind trick-or-treaters:

· By using a flashlight, they can see and be seen by others.

· Stay in a group, walk slowly and communicate where you are going.

· Only trick-or-treat in well known neighborhoods at homes that have a porch light on.

· Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.

· If no sidewalk is available, walk at the farthest edge of the roadway facing traffic.

· Never cut across yards or use alleys.

· Never enter a stranger's home or car for a treat.

· Obey all traffic and pedestrian regulations.

· Always walk. Never run across a street.

· Don't assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing trick-or-treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn't mean others will.

· Never consume unwrapped food items or open beverages that may be offered.

· No treats are to be eaten until they are thoroughly checked by an adult at home.

AFTER TRICK-OR-TREATING:

· Wait until children are home to sort and check treats. Though tampering is rare, a responsible adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items.

· Save treats for the days following Halloween. Don’t let them eat everything right away.

· Although sharing is encouraged, make sure items that can cause choking (such as hard candies) are given only to those of an appropriate age.

For more information, please contact the Children’s Center at 636-2393.